1. Down from the heav'ns on high, from out the starry sky,
||: In winter's cold and snow, Thy bed a cave below. :||
O sweet child divine and holy,
Thee I behold here trembling and lowly,
The King and Lord of all!
||: Ah priceless love and rare, in stall reclining there! :||

2. No robe to shield from storm, no fire to keep Thee warm.
||: Dear little Lord who are by God's will set apart. :||
Thou, Creator, Babe most royal,
Poverty, Thy handmaid loyal,
E'er flames her heart for Thee!
||: For man is love made sure, since Love itself is poor! :||

3. For God's own breast divine, Thou must on hay recline.
||: Here linger till Thou know full well life's every woe. :||
O my heart to heaven is soaring,
Now my Jesus with transports adoring,
Who giveth all to me!
||: Why must He suffer pain? To win me heavn'ly gain! :||

4. Soft tears Thine eyes now fill, whose love has made Thee will
||: To suffer pain and loss, to die upon a Cross. :||
Dear Lord Jesus, how swift the arousal
Of my own tears for Thy grief's espousal,
Beloved Lord and God!
||: For love, not grief nor fear, Thou sheddest every tear. :||

5. As great Thy love and wide, so small doth mine abide;
||: Tho' Baby, Thou must weep, in my arms laid to sleep. :||
O if this here were but a bower fragrant,
With scent of tree and flower,
A sunny cradle for Thee!
||: Dear Lamb, weep not so sore, I love Thee ever more! :||

7. Thy life Thou'lt give for me. Can greater love e'er be?
||: O Mary Mother fair, to Thee in hope I repair. :||
Hail to Thee O blest Virgin-Mother.
Loving Thy Son as can no other,
O full of grace and Truth!
||: Pray God who reigns above, to shed on me His love. :||